Warning Future Humans

Brian Vander Brug / LAT

The cavernous mine at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is the first geological lockbox for the "fiendishly toxic" detritus of nuclear weapons production - chemical sludge, plus lab gear and filters laced with radioactive plutonium.

The cavernous mine at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is the first geological lockbox for the "fiendishly toxic" detritus of nuclear weapons production - chemical sludge, plus lab gear and filters laced with radioactive plutonium. (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

In this 1998 photo, WIPP workers have descended 2,150 feet underground to reinforce the ceiling of the ancient salt mines. The problem, once the site is completely finished, will be warning future generations about what is buried here.

In this 1998 photo, WIPP workers have descended 2,150 feet underground to reinforce the ceiling of the ancient salt mines. The problem, once the site is completely finished, will be warning future generations about what is buried here. (Pat Vasquez Cunningham / For the Times)